Separates vs. Integrated (RR2160 or Used Parsound HINTO) - Budget Edition

Thanks that link worked, now instead of spending that $100 in a tube, I'm looking at a Parasound Classic 2125 V2, same power as the Emotiva but it also has A/B speaker selection which I really like.

 

The Freya + seems to be a different design than the Saga + so it's not only 'balanced vs. single-ended'. Plus if you want to consider a balanced-in amp(s) you'd have those options too. Just trying to get you to spend more money!

 

I'm leaning towards spending that extra money towards a Parasound 2125 V2.

 

What do you mean by different design? ​

 

I have an Emotiva a300 with the matching pt100 pre. Excellent equipment for the money and good sterile power. Be careful not to clip the 300 or you will be replacing drivers... Lol. I now have a McIntosh ma252 integrated and couldnt be happier but its much more money.

 

Balanced = XLR connectors, Single-ended = RCA connectors. If you get the 2125 V2 it's single-ended only, so you wouldn't need the balanced preamp outputs. You could still get the Saga + and play with the tube though ...

 

Any thoughts on the 2125 V2? For the money I could also get a used A23 but that doesn't have A/B speakers but does have a balanced connection.

I see why everyone get's sucked into this lol.

 

It looks like a solid piece of gear, I'm debating on spending a little more on the parasound 2125 V2, gives me A/B speakers.

 

You will never regret spending more up front to get what you want. Ask me how I know. Happy hunting...

 

Are you not happy with your A-300?

Problem is I don't know what I want, I don't have the need for the A/B but I like the idea of adding speakers outside. I'm also drawn towards parasound as people rave about them here.

 

Saga + is a "hybrid push-pull tube buffer, featuring a dual triode tube and a pair of BJTs (bipolar junction transistors)" whereas the Freya + ...

Compound Differential Buffer
Gain: 1 (0dB)
Frequency Response: 20Hz-20Khz, -0.2db, 3Hz-500KHz, -3dB
THD: <0.004%, 20Hz-20KHz, at 1V RMS
IMD: <0.0055%, CCIR
SNR: >120db, A-weighted, referenced to 2V RMS
Output Impedance: 75 ohms SE, 600 ohms balanced
Topology: JFET differential amplifier compound pair with equalized-gm followers

(I THINK this is about = to the Saga +, but presumably the "JFET differential" design is a little more sophisticated. Using a pair of tubes/JFETs possibly allows balanced output, whereas the Saga + circuit may not, or balanced output just isn't implemented in the Saga + for cost savings.)

Tube Gain
Gain: 4 (12dB)
Frequency Response: 20Hz-20Khz, -0.2db, 3Hz-200KHz, -3dB
THD: <0.01%, 20Hz-20KHz, at 1V RMS
IMD: <0.01%, CCIR
SNR: >115db, A-weighted, referenced to 2V RMS
Output Impedance: 75 ohms SE, 600 ohms balanced
Topology: differential triode input with semi-circlotron follower stage

(I think this is the other pair of tubes, used as a x4 gain stage (which you may not need, of course, and would likely just be attenuated with the volume control). All this MAY make things better sounding though ...?)

Seems like with all of these, one can switch in/out the tube stage(s) ... just more stuff to play/experiment with.

 

I lust after the Parasound A21 at some point ... the brand is pretty much universally praised as having excellent sonics and value.

 

I was happy with it for what I pd. It really is nice gear. I messed up and demo'd the ma 252 and is in a different League and is now in my main system. Plus I like to listen at high volume sometimes and blew 2 drivers with the a300...my fault. Never heard any parasound but it has a great reputation.

 

And its good looking too.

 

One thing I've learned when looking for gear is only listen to pieces in your price range. You cant unhear the better more expensive stuff...

 

The outlaw was on my short list when I bought the Emotiva. That unit has a long list of features and a built in sub crossover. Love the art deco style too. It gets rave reviews too.

 

That's why I'm thinking it's better to spend the money on something with excellent sonics, although I'm sure the A-300 sounds great in it's own right.

Problem is I can't find much as far as reviews on it, someone on youtube raved about the 2250 which is the next step up from the 2125.

 

I had an RR2150 for a while, while the amp section is great, the preamp section sucks. Get a HINT, it’s better all around. I would even argue to try and find a gently used Yamaha AS-2100.

 

I'm leaning towards separates instead of a integrated. Right now I'm focused on the Emotiva A-300 & the Parasound 2125 for the power amp and the Schiit Saga for the preamp although there is a lot of love to the Freya +.

 

If you have the cash, go for the Freya+. It’s not worth questioning yourself down the line

 

I run a 2125 v2 with a Peachtree Nova Pre, and recently added a second one to run them bridged. I have a fantastic soundstage, well defined bass, and fantastic dynamics. Of course so much of this is system dependent. I think it is a solid choice though.

On the topic of hybrid tube designs. I found a substantial difference in tubes with my Project Tubebox DS, also a hybrid design. I haven’t heard the Schiit, but the internet does seem to suggest a similar experience to mine in regards to responding well to tube changes.

 

I think the Freya+ is overkill, I don’t have balanced connections.

 

A 2125 V2 owner! I’m leaning towards it so I can have the ability to power a set of outdoor speakers as well. Plus it’s sounds like it will run cooler as it has 2 heat sinks versus the A300s 1. There have been issues with the fans noise on with the a300, sounds like they cut a corner with going with 1 heatsink.

Why did u go with the 2125 v2? I can’t find any reviews on it but it’s a parasound so there’s that lol.

 

I use the the second output for my SVS sub. Just make sure you aren’t trying to run two sets of speakers rated at 4ohms simultaneously. I do believe this would put you at risk of dipping below there 2ohm rating. I do think it is a great value, but I sometimes wonder what the A23 might have done better. Now that I have a pair though I think I’ll be happy for many years to come.

You never said what speakers these would be driving.

 

Nothing fancy KEF Q150s.